Supernormal
I directed and produced Supernormal, a short play by Joy-Amy Wigman that explores the experiences of five superheroes who have lost their powers and are required to attend a Job Centre–run back-to-work programme. Beneath its comedic premise, the piece serves as an allegory for the systemic challenges faced by disabled people, blending humour with social commentary.
To expand the project into a full-length production, I curated a programme that combined Supernormal with three additional microplays by the same writer: 15 Minute Call, Cake, and Mannequin Pis. This anthology format created a varied and fast-paced theatrical experience, unified by a distinctive voice and thematic coherence.
The production drew favourable comparisons to the television series Inside No. 9, reflecting its balance of dark humour, sharp writing, and unexpected tonal shifts.
Staging
Supernormal and Other Short Plays was developed as a low-budget production, embracing a deliberately minimalist and stripped-back staging style. The core set consisted of four large black-painted blocks and a selection of chairs, creating a flexible and neutral performance space that could be quickly reconfigured between pieces.
Each play was distinguished through the use of a single, carefully chosen signature prop, introducing a striking focal point and a subtle pop of colour. For example, 15 Minute Call featured an ominous phone, Cake centred around a cake tin, Mannequin(e) Pis incorporated a mannequin, and Supernormal utilised a window. These props became symbolic anchors within each narrative, helping to define tone, theme, and atmosphere without the need for elaborate set changes.
This approach offered several key benefits. Artistically, the minimal design placed emphasis on performance, text, and storytelling, allowing audiences to engage more directly with the actors and the narrative. The use of a single prop per piece created strong visual motifs, aiding clarity and memorability while encouraging imaginative interpretation. Practically, the simplified staging enabled quick transitions between plays, maintaining pacing and audience engagement. It also ensured cost efficiency and ease of touring or reproduction, making the production highly adaptable to different venues.
Overall, the restrained aesthetic supported both creative storytelling and logistical efficiency, demonstrating how limitation can be leveraged as a strength in performance design.
Casting
The production was limited to a cast of five actors, each performing multiple roles across the plays. This required highly versatile performers capable of embodying a range of characters and styles. Artistically, this showcased the actors’ range and emphasised theatricality, encouraging the audience to engage their imagination. Practically, a smaller cast streamlined rehearsals, reduced costs, and simplified scheduling. It also fostered a strong ensemble dynamic, with actors collaborating closely to maintain consistency in tone and pacing. Overall, this approach balanced creative ambition with efficiency, demonstrating how a flexible, multi-role cast can enhance both storytelling and production cohesion.
Reception
Supernormal is now being developed as a six part sit com for television.
